Patrick Wiesner on Immigration

Hispanics are hard workers--but no amnesty

I have served with Hispanics in the Army and have had dozens as clients. They are hard workers who take care of their families and heroically serve our country. A robust immigration policy would help the Kansas economy grow when these hard workers
become employed by our businesses.

Amnesty is not necessary. My solution is to establish special immigration facilities in northern Mexico to process those who want to apply for legal status. Those here illegally can return to that country and then
reenter in accordance with US law. The reward will be a path to full citizenship. The charge will be about $4,000 per person, to cover the costs. For those undocumented who avoid applying for citizenship, they will not be eligible for the privileges and
immunities granted to those who comply with immigration laws.

The program would probably take six years to complete. In the interim, Congress must address border enforcement including adequate funding for interdiction and fence construction.